[UT] T9 Neural Interface

[z0boson]

I just would like to get some opinions.

I am preparing to run a realistic hard SF T9 campaign and I am wondering if to include the neural implant from UT. While it seems absolutely possible to me to control something with that implant (taking into account that already today simple thought controls of quadcopters are possible without implant) I have some doubts about the quality of the feedback that this kind of device could deliver at T9. In particular, Ultra-Tech foresees a complete real-life virtual experience and detailed augmented reality (like displaying videos and crosshairs).

I really would like to include the neural implant because of the feel of the campaign, but I am not sure how it could be technologically realized with T9 surgery since this would necessite an enormous number of nerve connections in different centers of the brain (with T10 nanosurgery it might be different). Has anybody of you reflected on this?

[vicky_molokh]

I'd be quite comfortable seeing it in Hard TL9. Mircrotechnologies seem to be advancing faster than macrotechnologies anyway: we still can't build a vehicle capable of making a trivial trip to Mars, but the surgical and other biological advancements are huge compared to 100 years ago.

[jacobmuller]

Yeah, run with it, considering what is being done now

[DemiBenson]

I see TL9 neural interfaces as not much better than a thought-controlled multi-button mouse (maybe the really good ones are like a gaming trackball/flight-stick) - faster than talking to a computer, but not as awesome as the TL10 version.

YMMV.

[Fred Brackin]

Originally Posted by z0boson

I just would like to get some opinions.

You could easily make it more expensive but no high quality neural interfaces means no bionic eyes either. Even bionic limbs might be DX limited perhaps not even higher than 8 or 9.

So look at the technologies related to neural interface and decide what you want in your setting. "Hard" just means "doesn't break the laws of physics as we understand them.". The question you're looking at is the separate one of _plausibility_. and there is so much leeway there that pretty much anything you want is defensi9ble.

[z0boson]

Originally Posted by Fred Brackin

You could easily make it more expensive but no high quality neural interfaces means no bionic eyes either. Even bionic limbs might be DX limited perhaps not even higher than 8 or 9.

Bionic eyes and limbs seem a much smaller problem to me because the nerve interface is much better defined. When replacing the eye/limb you "just" need to reconnect a bundle of well defined and well localized and easy to reach (the eye/limb being cut away) nerves. In contrast, for the neural interface you have to access multiple zones deep inside the brain (in particular for all the senses involved with total VR).

But I would also like to have total cyborgs in the campaign, and I agree with you, they would be a collateral damage if I dump the neural interface...

[z0boson]

Originally Posted by jacobmuller

Yeah, run with it, considering what is being done now

That's a nice link, thanks!

[vicky_molokh]

Originally Posted by z0boson

But I would also like to have total cyborgs in the campaign, and I agree with you, they would be a collateral damage if I dump the neural interface...

Let's not mix up 'Accessory' Neural Interface (replaces VR gloves, display, keyboard, speakers etc.) and 'Mind-Link' Neural Interface (works as complete telepathy). The former is firmly TL9. The latter is much more challenging. But pure cyborgs only need the former.

[johndallman]

Originally Posted by z0boson

Bionic eyes and limbs seem a much smaller problem to me because the nerve interface is much better defined. When replacing the eye/limb you "just" need to reconnect a bundle of well defined and well localized and easy to reach (the eye/limb being cut away) nerves.

Eyes are harder than limbs. There's a significant amount of visual "processing" done in the retina before any signals pass to the brain.

[Vaevictis Asmadi]

Is the UT neural interface separate from the 3E neural interface jack, or does it replace that?